Method and dietary composition for improving lipid digestibility

ABSTRACT

A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include a pancreatic and either a liver or an intestinal mucosa function-promoter or both. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a food and/or food supplementproduct for pets and to its use in improving lipid absorption anddigestibility. In particular, it relates to improving lipid absorptionand digestibility in senior cats suffering the effects of pathologiesand/or aging. The invention extends to methods of enhancing lipiddigestibility and/or assimilation in pet animals.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Malassimilation of dietary lipids is a known condition in humans. U.S.Pat. No. 6,426,069 teaches that, in humans, the absorption of dietaryfats in the intestine can be increased by increasing the amount of theemulsifier lysophosphatidylcholine (lecithin) as absorption agent in theintestine. The agent can additionally include non-lipid molecules whichmay affect its physical form and/or physiological properties. Suchmolecules include, for example, bile salts and bicarbonate, which aid inthe formation of colloidal particles of a lipid complex.

Studies on senior cat nutrition have shown that a significant number ofolder pets-such as those above the age of 9 years—exhibit a decreasedcapacity to digest fat. Several scientific publications have likewisereported an age-related decrease in lipid digestibility in cats(Burkholder, W J. Age-related changes to nutritional requirements anddigestive function in adult dogs and cats. JAVMA, Vol 215, No. 5, Sep.1, 1999; Nicholson A, Watson A D J, Mercer J R. Fat malassimilation inthree cats. Australian Veterinary Journal, Vol. 66, No. 4, April, 1989;Peachey S E. Dawson J M, Harper E J. The effects of aging on nutrientdigestibility by cats fed beef tallow, sunflower oil or olive oilenriched diets).

There can be any of a number of pathologies that can lead to poordigestibility of lipids. Malabsorption and maldigestion can occur fromalmost any diffuse disease of the intestine, from exocrine pancreaticinsufficiency or from unknown causes. In the case of cats, pancreatitisoccurs at a prevalence rate of about 0.15% to 3.5% and may account forsome cases of poor fat digestibility. Diffuse intestinal diseases, suchas intestinal lymphoma, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth,inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease, may also lead to reducednutrient absorption in the small intestine.

Cases of pancreatic insufficiency are sometimes treated in veterinarypractice by the addition of raw pancreas to the diet of the animal. Thepancreas should not be heated to avoid denaturation of digestiveenzymes. This kind of procedure is not convenient for the pet owner tohave to perform on a regular basis. Commercially made enzymesupplements, for example as sold under the trade name Viokase V(believed to be a trade mark of Axcan Pharma US, Inc. of Birmingham,Ala.), are effective in improving fat digestibility in animals affectedby pancreatic insufficiency, but they are expensive when given in therequisite amounts. They are therefore unsuitable for inclusion in theregular diet of a pet.

Nicholson et al (op. Cit.) disclosed that dietary pancreatic extractsupplementation of cats presenting with poor fat digestibility almostdoubled fat digestibility, although enzyme supplementation failed toincrease fat digestibility to normal levels in all three cats tested.These findings point to pancreatic enzyme supplementation being able toachieve a partial correction.

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins that are absorbed onlywith long chain fatty acids. A defect in either the absorption ordigestion of lipid can therefore lead to deficiencies in any of thesevitamins, as well as malabsorption of nutrients such as taurine orminerals such as calcium and magnesium, due to their binding withunabsorbed fatty acids (Simpson. K W and Michel, K E. Micronutrientstatus in patients with gastrointestinal disease. Proceedings ACVIM,Denver, Colo., pp. 651-653, 2001). Hence, a pet with low lipiddigestibility is susceptible to several potential nutritionaldeficiencies, which can compromise its health.

For purposes of this specification, the term lipid fraction should beunderstood to mean a group of compounds that are insoluble in water, thegroup embracing fats, oils, waxes, phosphatides, cerebrosides, sterol,terpenes and the like, most of these including a fatty acid in theirstructures. Lipids can function to carry or transport a nutrient from afood source to the intestine and to the site of utilization, such as ina cell of the recipient's body.

“Digestion”, as used in this specification, means the process ofbreaking down a complex food matrix into its constituent parts, forexample fats to glycerol and fatty acids. The breaking down process isprimarily by action of gastric, hepatic and pancreatic enzymes.

“Absorption” as used in this specification, means the passage of theproducts of the breaking down process across the intestinal wall intothe blood stream.

“Digestibility”, as used in this specification, means the quantity,expressed in percentage form, of a nutrient that is digested andabsorbed in relation to the total nutrient quantity ingested by theanimal.

“Assimilation”, as used in this specification, means the process ofincorporation of simple molecules, produced from food digestion andabsorbed into the body, into the complex compounds forming theconstituents of the organism.

It is thus an object of the invention to provide a nutritional productthat, when administered to a pet displaying low lipid digestibility,improves the digestibility of lipid and lipid-linked compounds. Anotherobject is to provide the pet and pet owner with advantages associatedwith effective lipid absorption.

The invention has the additional object of increasing the digestibilityof lipids in a pet animal by a method of nutrition management.

A further object is to provide a complete pet food or supplement for acomplete pet food that aids the pet to absorb lipid and lipid solublenutrients in its diets.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of improvinglipid absorption in a pet animal, especially a senior pet.

A further object is to provide a means of improving the transportationof fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids into the a pet'stissues.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention provides compositions and products that include them, forproviding benefits related to the effective assimilation of a lipid or alipid fraction. It also provides methods of improving or maintaining thecapacity of a pet animal to assimilate a lipid or a lipid fractioneffectively and to enable it to derive a benefit therefrom.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method of providing apet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid orlipid fraction comprises the steps of administering to the pet, as apart of, or in addition to, its regular diet, an edible compositioncomprising a pancreatic function promoter and one or more of a liverfunction promoter and an intestinal mucosa function-promoter.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a nutrition managementregimen for maintaining, improving, promoting or otherwise enhancinglipid digestibility comprises a dietary component for feeding regularlyin an effective lipid assimilation-promoting amount, according topredetermined directions, to a pet animal, the dietary componentcomprising a pancreatic function promoter and one or more of a liverfunction promoter and an intestinal mucosa function-promoter.

In an embodiment, the pancreatic function-promoter comprises a lipase, agut pH modifier or a pancreatic extract.

The liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, emulsifiers,vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters, andcombinations thereof.

The liver function-promoter is preferably a nutrient that increasesendogenous glutathione after ingestion.

In an embodiment of the invention, the liver function-promoter comprisesa pancreas extract. In a preferred embodiment, the extract includespancreatic lipase. The pancreas extract may further comprise lipasederived from a non-pancreatic source. In an embodiment, thenon-pancreatic source is a fungus.

In an embodiment the intestinal mucosa function promoter includes a fattransportation aid, agent or carrier.

The aid, agent or carrier is preferably selected from whey protein andproteases having the capacity to promote the formation of lipoproteins.

In an embodiment, the intestinal mucosa function promoter has a fattyacid profile specially selected to improve absorption. In a preferredsuch embodiment, the fatty acid profile is polyunsaturated. Fish oilsare suitable examples having a polyunsaturated profile.

In a preferred form of the invention, the benefit to the pet is relatedto at least one of gut function, outward appearance, pet-to-ownerrelationship, aging and general health aspects.

Where the benefit is related to aging, it may be observable in any oneor more of:

-   -   Delayed onset of signs of aging;    -   Amelioration of an age-related effect;    -   Improved vision;    -   Restored functionality of the digestive system in an aged pet;        and    -   Increased longevity.

In a further preferred form of the invention, the composition is in theform of a nutritionally balanced, ready-to-eat meal.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises a dried kibble.

In an alternative embodiment, the composition is in the form of a wetpetfood meal.

In another embodiment, the composition is administered as a mealsupplement. In an alternative embodiment, the composition is in the formof a wet petfood meal.

In an embodiment, the lipid assimilation-promoting component of theinvention is provided in a container for addition to a separatelypackaged complete meal or for administering apart from a meal. In anembodiment, the component is provided in a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.

In a further embodiment, the benefit derivable from applying eitheraspect of the invention is related to outward appearance and isobservable in any one or more of:

-   -   Improved body condition;    -   Improved muscle tone;    -   Improved skin and coat condition; and    -   A younger look.

The intestinal mucosa function-promoter preferably includes ananti-inflammatory agent, lactoferrin, a prebiotic or a probioticmicro-organism.

The anti-inflammatory agent is preferably an omega-3 fatty acid.

Further the benefit derivable by the pet following the regimen, fromeffective assimilation of a lipid or lipid fraction, is related to atleast one of gut function, outward appearance, pet-to-ownerrelationship, aging and general health aspects.

In an embodiment, the benefit that is related to gut function isobservable in any one or more of:

-   -   Increased nutrient and energy digestibility;    -   Improved gut microflora, such as is observed in decreased small        intestine bacterial overgrowth;    -   Improved fecal consistency and/or odour;    -   Optimized fecal volume;    -   Improved regularity of food transit time;    -   Reduced flatulence;    -   Enhanced gut detoxification; and    -   Improved absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.

According to a third aspect of the invention, an edible composition foruse in maintaining, improving, promoting or otherwise enhancing lipiddigestibility in a pet animal by regular administration to such animal,according to predetermined directions, comprises a pancreaticfunction-promoter and at least one of a liver function-promoter and anintestinal mucosa function-promoter.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method of improving the capacityof a pet animal to absorb an essential nutrient comprises the step ofimproving the capacity of the animal to absorb a lipid or lipid fractionthat is a carrier of the essential nutrient. Preferred essentialnutrients include vitamin E and arachadonic acid (or ARA).

The invention extends, in another aspect, to the use of a lipiddigestibility-enhancing agent in the manufacture of a dietarycomposition or dietary supplement, for the provision of a benefitrelating to optimal lipid absorption in a pet animal. The benefit may beany one of those listed above.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of improving theappearance of a pet comprises the step of increasing its capability todigest fat in its diet: wherein fat digestion capability is increased byfeeding the pet a diet that contains an agent selected from:

-   -   a fat emulsifier/emulsification system, and either    -   an acidifying agent, or    -   a fat transportation agent (whey protein as a carrier for        lycopene), or    -   a combination thereof.

The invention provides also for a composition for use in a method ofmaintaining promoting or improving serum levels in a pet animal ofessential fatty acids and/or fat soluble antioxidants, the compositioncomprising a pancreatic function promoter and one or more of a liverfunction promoter and an intestinal mucosa function-promoter and themethod comprising administering the composition orally to the petaccording to a predetermined dietary regimen.

An advantage of the invention is that it produces visible improvementsin the body condition of senior pets, such as fragile senior cats.

Another advantage is that it provides an improvement of theirnutritional status. Through this, there are further benefits expected,such as improvement in the quality of life and extended longevity of thepet and greater satisfaction of the owner.

A still further advantage of the invention is that it may be applied notonly to clinically healthy senior pet cats, but also to cats withExocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and a wider range of digestivedeficiencies that contribute to lipid malabsorption, for which themechanisms are not yet fully understood.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It has been found that in pet animals, the absorption of lipid is highlycorrelated with the absorption of other essential nutrients, for examplevitamin E. Hence, a pet with low lipid digestibility is susceptible todeficient or sub-optimal nutritional status, which can compromise itshealth.

This invention seeks to provide means of prevention and relief for petsthat are susceptible to develop, or that have already developed, reducedlipid absorption capability from any cause. Such a cause may includeEPI, inflammatory liver disease, pancreatitis, inflammatory boweldisease, intestinal lymphoma, and idiopathic (unknown cause)malabsorption. The invention provides a means for increasing lipidabsorption through nutrition management. Such management can be carriedout by the pet owner, care giver or keeper. By implementing it as aregimen that maintains, improves, promotes or otherwise enhances lipiddigestibility, various health and wellness benefits can ensue. These areset out more fully below.

Thus, a nutrition management regimen for maintaining, improving,promoting or otherwise enhancing lipid digestibility in a pet animal,comprises a lipid absorption-promoting ingredient for feeding regularlyto the pet animal in need thereof, according to predetermineddirections. The lipid absorption-promoting ingredient comprises at leastone nutrient selected from pancreatic function promoters and anotherfrom the groups consisting of liver function promoters, intestinalmucosa function promoters and combinations thereof. It may beadministered as a part of the pet's regular diet, such as in the mediumof a nutritionally balanced pet food or as a supplement to a meal or toa treat. The meal may be wet or dry, such as in kibble form.

The pet may be a cat or a dog. The invention has particular advantagefor elderly or senior pets. Generally, these are pets of age 9 years andabove. However, a younger pet may be found to display attributes of ageand may benefit too.

Pancreatic function promoters that may be used in this invention includenatural and artificial lipases, gut pH modifiers, pancreatic extracts,and combinations thereof. Advantageously, where the pancreatic functionpromoter is lipase enzyme, it is present to be administered to the petin an edible composition in an amount sufficient to provide the petreceiving it with from about 1,000 to 80,000 IU of lipase enzyme daily.Preferably, the composition contains sufficient amount of the promoterto provide from about 9,000 to 60,000 IU of lipase enzyme daily, whenadministered according to a predetermined regimen.

Where the pancreatic function promoter is a gut pH modifier, it maycomprise a system that includes one or more of an acidifier, analkalanizer, a buffer, a prebiotic or a probiotic micro-organism.Preferred gut pH modifiers are those that promote fermentation andmodify gut pH in a predictable and controllable manner. Examples ofsuitable acidifiers are citric acid and lactic acids. An example of asuitable base is sodium hydroxide. The base may also be a carbonate orbicarbonate or include combinations thereof.

In embodiments where the gut pH modifier is an acidifier, it should beprovided to be present in sufficient amount to reduce the gut pH byabout 1 point on the 14 point pH scale.

In embodiments where the gut pH modifier is an alkalanizer, it should beprovided to be present in sufficient amount to increase the gut pH byabout 1 point on the 14 point pH scale.

Where the gut pH modifier is a buffer, it should be provided to bepresent in sufficient amount to maintain gut pH below about 4 during theinitial stages of digestion. Where the pancreatic function promoter is apancreatic extract, the extract preferably includes pancreatic lipase.However, lipase derived from a non-pancreatic source may, in addition oralternatively, be used.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the gut pH-modifying agent isa prebiotic or a probiotic micro-organism, or a combination thereof. Theprebiotic may be obtained from any suitable natural or purified source,for example chicory, and may comprise inulin or an oligosaccharide.Should a probiotic microorganism be selected, it needs to be one that,via fermentation processes in the gut, regulates the gut pH. In general,probiotic microorganisms produce organic acids such as lactic acid andacetic acid which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such asClostridium perfringens and Helicobacter pylori. Examples of suitableprobiotic micro-organisms include yeasts such as Saccharomyces,Debaromyces, Candida, Pichia and Torulopsis, molds such as Aspergillus,Rhizopus, Mucor, and Penicillium and Torulopsis and bacteria such as thegenera Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Melissococcus,Propionibacterium, Enterococcus, Lactococcus, Staphylococcus,Peptostrepococcus, Bacillus, Pediococcus, Micrococcus, Leuconostoc,Weissella, Aerococcus, Oenococcus and Lactobacillus. Specific examplesof suitable probiotic microorganisms are: Saccharomyces cereviseae,Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis,Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacteriumlongum, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillusacidophilus, Lactobacillus alimentarius, Lactobacillus casei subsp.casei, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactobacillus curvatus,Lactobacillus delbruckii subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus farciminus,Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillusjohnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LactobacillusGG), Lactobacillus sake, Lactococcus lactis, Micrococcus varians,Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Pediococcusacidilactici, Pediococcus halophilus, Streptococcus faecalis,Streptococcus thermophilus, Staphylococcus camosus, and Staphylococcusxylosus. The probiotic microorganisms may be in powdered, dried form;especially in spore form for microorganisms which form spores. Further,if desired, the probiotic microorganism may be encapsulated to furtherincrease the probability of survival; for example in a sugar matrix, fatmatrix or polysaccharide matrix. Alternatively, the microorganism may beprovided as a separately contained supplement to the main foodcomposition.

In an embodiment of the invention, a combination of any of the above twoor more pancreatic function promoters may be used.

Liver function promoters suitable for use in this invention may beselected from edible emulsifiers, taurine, glutathione or glutathionepromoters, minerals and vitamins. The taurine used may be natural orfrom a purified source or may be a mixture of both. In embodiments ofthe invention where the composition of the invention is made availablein the form of a dry pet food, taurine is included at up to about 0.5%by weight on a dry matter (DM) basis. In preferred embodiments, thetaurine concentration is in the range from about 0.1% to about 0.4% byweight on a DM basis. In the case of a wet (canned) pet food, thetaurine concentration may be up to 1% by weight on a dry matter basis,but is preferably no more than about 0.8% on a DM basis, by weight.

Non-limiting examples of glutathione promoters are selenium and vitaminE. In preferred embodiments, selenium is present at about from 2 to 3times the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)minimum. For example, there may be about 0.3 mg selenium per kilogram ofdiet on a DM basis. Vitamin E levels may be up to about 20 times theAAFCO minimum, for example currently up to about 600 IU on a DM basis.These agents may be obtained from natural or purified sources and maycomprise combinations of both.

In an embodiment, the liver function promoter is a nutrient that iscapable of increasing endogenous glutathione after ingestion.

Where the liver function promoter is a vitamin, it may for example beobtained from a natural source, for example yeast, or a purified source,or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the composition ofthe invention comprises a selected vitamin in sufficient amount toexceed the minimum level set from time to time by AAFCO by about 2 to 5times (in other words about 200-500% of the AAFCO minimum).

Similarly, minerals used for promoting liver function are obtainablefrom natural or purified sources and combinations thereof. In preferredembodiments, the composition of the invention comprises a selectedmineral in sufficient amount to exceed the minimum level set from timeto time by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) byabout 3 to 5 times (in other words about 300% to 500% of the AAFCOminimum).

Advantageously, the liver function promoter is present to beadministered to the pet in an edible composition in an efficaciousamount when administered according to a predetermined regimen, in orderto obtain at least one of the benefits set out below.

The intestinal mucosa function promoter of the invention may, in anembodiment, include a fat transportation aid, agent or carrier, such aswhey protein or a protease to help the formation of lipoproteins. Anexample of a suitable protease is papain. The diet or dietarycomposition may preferably comprise from about 0.1% to 1% by weight ofpapain on a DM basis. Should whey protein be included as a lipoproteinformation promoter, it is preferably present in concentrations fromabout 2% to 10%, preferably about 5% to 7% by weight of the diet on a DMbasis.

The intestinal mucosa function promoter may, however, alternatively orin addition, include 10 an anti-inflammatory agent. Suitable examples ofthese are the omega-3 fatty acids, lactoferrin, prebiotics, probioticmicro-organisms or fatty acids that have a profile specially selected toimprove absorption. By way of example, polyunsaturates comprise a fattyacid group with a suitable absorption-enhancing profile. In preferredembodiments, these are included in the diet at about 2% to 25% byweight, preferably from about 4% to 12% by weight of the diet on a DMbasis. The polyunsaturates may include or be derived from fish oils.

Advantageously, the intestinal mucosa function promoter is present to beadministered to the pet in an edible composition in an efficaciousamount when administered according to a predetermined regimen in orderto obtain at least one of the benefits set out below.

Where the intestinal mucosa function promoter comprises an omega 3 oil,it is preferably included in the diet from about 1% to 20%, preferablyabout 3% to 13%, by weight on a DM basis. Where the diet or compositioncomprises lactoferrin, it is preferably included from about 100 mg to200 mg per day. In the case of chicory, in preferred embodiments, itcomprises from about 0.5% to 2% by weight of the diet or dietarycomposition on a dry matter basis. Prebiotics, for example inulin and/oroligosaccharides, should preferably make up from about 0.1% to 1% byweight of the diet on a DM basis. Probiotics, when included, arepreferably at a numerical concentration of at least about 105 CFU in thediet.

The benefits that the feeding of the composition of the inventionachieves in a pet, may be related to gut function, outward appearance,aging, or to more general health aspects. Benefits relating to gutfunction include

-   -   Increased nutrient and energy digestibility,    -   Improved gut microflora as may be manifest in decreased small        intestine bacterial overgrowth (“SIBO”),    -   Improved fecal consistency and less offensive odor,    -   Optimal fecal volume,    -   Reduced flatulence,    -   Improved gut detoxification, and    -   Improved regularity of food transit time.

Appearance related benefits may include

-   -   Improved body condition and muscle tone,    -   Improved skin and coat condition, brought about by improving the        bioavailability of required nutrients, such as fatty acids and        vitamins, and    -   Improving the overall appearance of senior pets by making them        look younger.

Aging related benefits may include:

-   -   A delayed onset of signs of aging,    -   Reduction or amelioration of the effects of aging,    -   Restoration of functionality of the digestive system in the aged        pets, and    -   Increased longevity.

The signs of aging may, for example, be appearance-related, such asgreying of the coat, or activity-related, such as lower levels ofactivity. The effects of aging may be related to movement, such asapparent joint stiffness, or digestion-related, or reduction of sensorycapacity and the like.

Owner-interaction benefits may include

-   -   Improved physical activity,    -   Increased level of playfulness,    -   Improved alertness, mental performance and cognitive ability,        and    -   Improved pet-owner interaction and bonding through increased        activity and playfulness of the pet.

More general health benefits that are provided by the invention include

-   -   Improved water turnover,    -   Improved nutritional and overall health status,    -   Improved antioxidant status by increasing vitamin (for example        vitamin E) absorption,    -   Improved nitrogen balance,    -   Improved absorption of all lipid-soluble nutrients, for example        fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E and K,    -   Reduced renal overload by reduction of proteolysis, and    -   Improved functions associated directly or indirectly with        improved absorption of fat or antioxidants.

The invention thus also provides a method of reducing the effects oflipid malassimilation in a pet. The steps of this method may includeadministering to the pet a diet comprising an effective amount of acomponent that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the petto digest lipid efficiently. The component comprises a pancreaticfunction promoter and one or more of a liver function-promoter and anintestinal mucosa function-promoter and combinations thereof. Theindividual constituents of the component are selected from thosebelonging to the general categories named above.

By improving the capacity of a pet animal to absorb a lipid or lipidfraction that is a carrier of an essential nutrient, the capacity of theanimal to absorb the essential nutrient is also improved. The essentialnutrient is typically a vitamin such as vitamin A, E, D, or K. Preferrednutrients include vitamin E and arachadonic acid (ARA). Through enhancedabsorption efficiency of these nutrients, for example vitamin E, theserum level thereof may be maintained and/or improved.

The digestibility enhancing ingredient or agent may be used in a methodof manufacturing a dietary composition or supplement or pharmaceuticalcomposition for providing benefits associated with optimal lipidabsorption in a pet animal, or for the prophylaxis of conditionsassociated with poor lipid absorption and low digestibility. Suchmethods are described further in the paragraphs that follow.

The lipid assimilation or digestion-promoting component, whetherprovided alone or in an ingredient combination or in a system ofsynergistic ingredients, may be provided for administering to a petanimal in need thereof in any of a number of different forms. Forexample, it may be fed to the pet as part of a ready-to-eat meal or aspart of a treat. Where provided as a pet food meal, the pet food of theinvention may be produced in wet or dry form, using any suitableprocess. Preferably, the ingredients will be part of a nutritionallybalanced meal. They may also be provided as a treat for feeding inaddition to regular meals, or as a dietary supplement or complement thatmay be administered with a meal or a snack or treat. The ingredient oringredients may also be administered in a pharmaceutical form, theingredient being contained in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.Such forms include tablets, capsules, syrups, drinks and gels and thelike, in which the ingredients are suitably storable until the occasionof use.

Where, in a non-limiting example, ingredients are provided in the formof a pet food in wet form, it may be delivered as an emulsion gel or assolid pieces in a flowable gravy or gel.

Thus, to produce a thermally gelled emulsion that will set upon cooling,a suitable meat material is comminuted to produce a meat batter.Suitable gelling agents, for example starches and gums such askappa-carrageenan, locust bean gum, guar gum, and xanthan gum may beadded to the meat batter. Usually no more than about 1% by weight of gumis needed.

Water may also be added the meat batter to provide from about 70% toabout 85% by weight of moisture. If sufficient moisture is present inthe meat material, water need not be added.

The meat batter is then heated to a temperature suitable to initiatethermal gelling of the mixture; for example a temperature of about 40°C. to about 65° C. in a mixer-cooker. Steam may be injected into themeat batter if desired. The heated meat batter may be emulsified ifdesired. The meat batter is then maintained at a temperature of about40° C. to about 65° C. until needed. After retorting and cooling to roomtemperature, the meat batter forms a thermally gelled emulsion that issubstantially solid or at least holds its form.

To produce solid food pieces in gravy or gel, solid pieces of meat orother material, or both, may be mixed with a gravy. Solid pieces ofother materials may also be used; such as rice grains, pasta or noodles,vegetable pieces, and the like.

The solid food pieces may be in the form of pieces of a thermally gelledmatrix. The pieces of the thermally gelled matrix may be produced by anysuitable procedure, for example the procedures described in any one ofU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,781,939, 5,132,137 and 5,567,466 and PCT application WO97/02760.

The thermally gelled matrix may be formed in suitable equipment such asan emulsion mill or an extruder to form pieces or chunks. If an extruderis used, the emulsion may be forced through an orifice to provide theemulsion with a desired shape; for example of oval, square orrectangular cross-section. The extrudate may then be cooked in asuitable continuous cooking system; for example a tunnel oven using hotair, steam, mixtures of hot air and steam, or microwaves as the heatingmedium. The core temperature of the extrudate is raised such that theextrudate undergoes thermal gelling. For example, the core temperaturemay be raised to at least about 80° C.; for example about 85° C. toabout 95° C. The gelled extrudate may then be cut into pieces and thepieces cooled to provide pieces of a thermally gelled matrix. The piecesmay be subjected to flaking if desired. Cooling may be carried out byspraying water on the pieces. Alternatively, other cooling media may beused.

If a gravy is used with the solid food pieces, it may be produced fromwater, one or more starch or gums, and suitable flavoring agents. Thegravy preferably comprises about 20% to about 80% by weight of themixture of solid pieces and gravy. Suitable gums are kappa-carrageenan,locust bean gum, guar gum and xanthan gum.

If a gel is used with the solid food pieces, it may be produced from asuitable gelling agent, water and suitable flavoring agents. The gelpreferably comprises about 20% to about 80% by weight of the mixture ofsolid pieces and gravy. Suitable gelling agents are proteins such asgelatin; gums such as alginates, kappa-carrageenan, locust bean gum,guar gum and xanthan gum, and the like. The gel or aspic may be preparedas is conventional.

Combinations of the processes described above may also be used. Forexample, a thermally gelled emulsion may be prepared as described above.Then solid food pieces, which may be pieces of a thermally gelledmatrix, meat pieces, vegetable pieces, combinations of these pieces, andthe like, are combined with the thermally gelled emulsion. As a furtheralternative, combinations of thermally gelled emulsions and solid foodpieces in gravy or gel, may be used. Suitable combinations are describedin WO 98/05218 and WO 98/05219; the disclosures of which areincorporated by reference.

The pet foods are then filled into cans or other containers, thecontainers sealed, and the products retorted in the normal manner.Suitable equipment is commercially available.

A suitable process for manufacturing dried pet food involves cooking afeed mixture of the various ingredients, forming the cooked mixture intopellets, drying, and then coating the pellets with flavors. The cookingand forming steps are preferably carried out using an extruder, as iswell known in the art. However, the pellets may be produced by othercooking procedures such as baking a preformed food body comprising theselected ingredients, preferably in nutritionally balanced proportions.

Whichever process is utilized, the lipid assimilation-promotingingredient may be added at a suitable stage. Whichever stage is decidedon may depend on the nature of the ingredient. It may be added to themajor ingredients prior to the cooking, heating or extrusion stages, or,in the case of heat-sensitive ingredients, may be added after the pieceshave already formed, whether they be wet or dry. The ingredient may beabsorbed into the food body, to be contained therein, or be injected, orbe coated to remain largely on the surface. It may be included in thegravy that may accompany a gelled or extruded chunk, or be provided as ameal supplement.

Generally, application of the functional ingredient in a post-kibbleformation step is carried out after the extrusion, drying and coolingprocess stages. The pet food kibbles enter a coating station, equippedfor example with a coating drum. Here one or several coating systems areapplied in liquid and/or in powder form to adjust the nutritionalprofile to physiological and legal requirements, by including or addingsuch ingredients as required vitamins, fat, minerals and trace elements,to enhance the product palatability and to improve product cosmetics.

The amount of the pet food to be consumed by the pet to obtain abeneficial effect will depend upon factors such as the size or the pet,the type of pet, activity level and the age of the pet. However, subjectto the above, an amount of the nutritional composition to provide adaily amount of about from 10 g/kg to 25 g/kg of body weight of the pet,on a dry matter basis, should generally be administered. Preferably, theamount should be in the range from about 12.5 g/kg to 20 g/kg of bodyweight on a DM basis in the diet.

Accordingly, the appropriate amount of the component or combination ofingredients may then be included in the meal or treat, according to thepet's dietary requirements. The ingredient/s may be mixed in with thebase formulation and then processed, or mixed into a gravy or othercarrier for including with or adding to the food or treat.

It is believed that by providing a pet food composition as provided forabove, making it available to minders or owners of elderly pets anddrawing attention to the prospect that regular feeding of thecomposition to such pets can bring about at least a temporaryalleviation of symptoms indicative of poor lipid assimilation in theirpet, the pet minder will be encouraged to administer the pet thecomposition on a regular basis. A suitable way of drawing the attentionof the minder to the benefits of the composition is by way of notice onthe packaging of the food composition, alternatively by separateadvertising thereof.

Numerous modifications may be made to the embodiments described abovewithout departing from the scope of the invention. By way of example,and not limitation, trials of products of the invention will now bedescribed for further illustration:

EXAMPLE

A series of digestibility tests is used to scan which nutritionalinterventions among numerous possibilities may improve the fatdigestibility of cats pre-selected for their low fat digestibility (i.e.below 80%) when added to a control cat food diet.

Lipid digestibility is assessed on a group of cats using materials andmethods as follows:

-   -   All participating cats are adults and in good health and are not        pregnant.    -   Each test diet is the only source of nourishment for the cats.    -   Water is available to the cats at all times.    -   Each cat's weight is recorded prior to the initiation of the        test.    -   Each cat is fed the amount of food required to cover its        metabolizable energy requirements.    -   The cats are fed the same control diet for a feces        pre-collection period of 5 days.    -   Each cat's weight is recorded at day 6.    -   The fecal collection period is from day 6 through 15. The food        consumed during this period is recorded.    -   On day 6, the diet is fed together with red iron oxide as a        marker, at a concentration of 1.0 g/kg of meal mass for canned        diets and 2.5 g/kg of meal mass for dry diets.    -   Red marked feces are the first to be collected. Any unmarked        (normal colored) feces on day 6 and 7 prior to the first        appearance of the red marked feces are discarded. All red marked        feces are collected, as well as all unmarked feces that are        passed after the first red feces are observed.    -   Collected feces for each cat are stored frozen at −20° C.    -   On the morning of day 15, red iron oxide is again added to the        diet (as in day 6), this time to mark the end of the trial        feeding period, and the weight of each cat is recorded. Feces        continue to be collected until the reappearance of the red        marker.    -   Two samples of the diet and each individual cat's fecal samples        are freeze dried and sent for analyses of protein, fat, dry        matter, and ash.

Examples illustrating the implementation of fat absorption-improvingnutritional intervention-into commercial pet food products are nowdescribed:

Example 1 Trial Using a Canned Food Diet

In this example, participating cats receive an emulsion meat diet,having a composition of about 9% fat, 2.2% ash, 8.4% protein, and 76%moisture on a weight % basis. This is called diet A.

Another diet, called B, is based on a similar formulation, but with theinclusion of the following additional ingredients (given in weight %):

-   -   A pancreatic function promoter: 0.1% Acidifier (citric acid).    -   A Liver function promoter: at about 4×MFCO minimum taurine level        for wet cat food (0.8% by weight on a dry matter basis)    -   An Intestinal mucosa function-promoter: Fish oils (3%)

A group of 20 cats with low fat digestibility (i.e. less than 80%) isfed both diets, A and B, in a crossover design of two digestibilitytests. Each diet is fed for a 15-day digestibility test, the first 5days being an adaptation period and the remaining 10 days as the fecalcollection period. The cats are found to digest a significantly higherpercentage of fat when fed diet B than when fed diet A. As a result,total energy digestibility and organic matter digestibility is improvedin diet B. Cats are found to need a lower amount of diet B to covertheir energy requirements than of diet A. Overall, cats appear tomaintain their weight better when fed diet B than when fed diet A.

Example 2 Trial Using a Dry Food Diet

This example uses a conventional dry cat food having a composition ofabout 31% protein, 15% fat, 4.5% fiber, 12% moisture and 5% ash on aweight % basis, called diet C.

Another diet, called D, was based on a similar formulation but thefollowing additional ingredients were included (in weight %):

-   -   A pancreatic function promoter: Taurine (0.27%).    -   A Liver function promoter: Lecithin from Soya (1%)    -   An Intestinal mucosa function promoter: Chicory (1%)

In this trial, a group of 20 cats with known low fat digestibility (i.e.less than 80%) is fed diets C and D, in a crossover design of twodigestibility tests. Each diet is fed for a 15-day digestibility test,the first 5 days being an adaptation period and the remaining 10 daysthe fecal collection period. The cats on diet D are found to digest ahigher percentage of lipid than those on diet C. Total energydigestibility and organic matter digestibility are also improved withdiet D, when compared with diet C. Reduced fecal volume and odor werenoted when cats were fed diet D instead of diet C.

Although various changes and modifications to the presently preferredembodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in theart, such changes and modifications that can be made without departingfrom the scope of the present invention and without diminishing itsintended advantages are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

1. A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effectiveassimilation of a lipid or lipid fraction comprises the steps ofadministering to the pet, as a part of, or in addition to, its regulardiet, an edible composition comprising a pancreatic function promoterand one or more of a liver function promoter and an intestinal mucosafunction-promoter.
 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein thepancreatic function-promoter comprises a lipase, a gut pH modifier or apancreatic extract.
 3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 whereinthe liver function-promoter is selected from taurine, emulsifiers,vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters, andcombinations thereof.
 4. A method according to any one of the precedingclaims wherein the intestinal mucosa function promoter includes a fattransportation aid, agent or carrier.
 5. A method according to any oneof the preceding claims wherein the benefit to the pet is related to atleast one of gut function, outward appearance, pet-to-ownerrelationship, aging and general health aspects.
 6. A method according toclaim 5 wherein the benefit is related to aging, and is observable inany one or more of: Delayed onset of signs of aging; Amelioration of anage-related effect; Improved vision; Restored functionality of thedigestive system in an aged pet; and Increased longevity.
 7. A methodaccording to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition isin the form of a nutritionally balanced, ready-to-eat meal.
 8. A methodaccording to claim 7 wherein the composition comprises a dried kibble.9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein thecomposition is administered as a meal supplement.
 10. A method accordingto any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein the benefit is related to outwardappearance and is observable in any one or more of: Improved bodycondition; Improved muscle tone; Improved skin and coat condition; and Ayounger look.
 11. A nutrition management regimen for maintaining,improving, promoting or otherwise enhancing lipid digestibilitycomprises a dietary component for feeding regularly in an effectivelipid assimilation-promoting amount, according to predetermineddirections, to a pet animal, the dietary component comprising apancreatic function promoter and one or more of a liver functionpromoter and an intestinal mucosa function-promoter.
 12. A regimenaccording to claim 11 wherein the pancreatic function-promoter comprisesa lipase, a gut pH modifier or a pancreatic extract.
 13. A regimenaccording to claim 12 wherein the gut pH modifier includes one or moreof an acidifier, an alkalanizer, a buffer, a prebiotic or a probioticmicro-organism.
 14. A regimen according to any one of claims 11 to 13wherein the liver function-promoter is selected from taurine,emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters,and combinations thereof.
 15. A regimen according to any one of claims11 to 14 wherein the liver function-promoter is a nutrient thatincreases endogenous glutathione after ingestion.
 16. A regimenaccording to any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the intestinal mucosafunction-promoter includes a fat transportation aid, agent or carrier.17. A regimen according to claim 16 wherein the aid, agent or carrier isselected from whey protein and proteases having the capacity to promotethe formation of lipoproteins.
 18. A regimen according to claim 16 or 17wherein the intestinal mucosa function-promoter includes ananti-inflammatory agent, lactoferrin, a prebiotic or a probioticmicro-organism.
 19. A regimen according to claim 18 wherein theanti-inflammatory agent is an omega-3 fatty acid.
 20. A regimenaccording to any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the fat transportationaid, agent or carrier has a fatty acid profile selected to improve lipidabsorption.
 21. A regimen according to claim 20 wherein the fatty acidprofile is polyunsaturated.
 22. A regimen according to claim 21 whereinthe fat transportation aid, agent or carrier comprises whey protein. 23.A regimen according to any one of claims 11 to 22 wherein the benefitderivable by the pet from effective assimilation of a lipid or lipidfraction is related to at least one of gut function, outward appearance,pet-to-owner relationship, aging and general health aspects.
 24. Aregimen according to claim 23 wherein the benefit that is related to gutfunction is observable in any one or more of: Increased nutrient andenergy digestibility; Improved gut microflora, such as is observed indecreased small intestine bacterial overgrowth; Improved fecalconsistency and/or odour; Optimized fecal volume; Improved regularity offood transit time; Reduced flatulence; Enhanced gut detoxification; andImproved absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.
 25. A regimen according toclaim 23 wherein the benefit that is related to outward appearance isobservable in any one or more of: Improved body condition; Improvedmuscle tone; Improved skin and coat condition; and A younger look. 26.An edible composition for use in maintaining, improving, promoting orotherwise enhancing lipid digestibility in a pet animal by regularadministration to such animal, according to predetermined directions,the composition comprising a pancreatic function-promoter and at leastone of a liver function-promoter and an intestinal mucosafunction-promoter.
 27. A method of improving the appearance of a petanimal comprising the step of increasing its capability to digest fat inits diet by feeding the pet a diet that contains a pancreatic functionpromoter and a liver function promoter, an intestinal mucosa functionpromoter or a combination thereof.
 28. A method according to claim 27wherein the pancreatic function promoter comprises a fatemulsifier/emulsification system, the intestinal mucosa functionpromoter comprises an acidifying agent and intestinal mucosa functionpromoter comprises a fat transportation agent.
 29. A method of providinga pet with a benefit relating to an effective assimilation of a lipid orlipid fraction comprising the steps of administering to the pet anedible composition comprising a pancreatic function promoter and apromoter selected from the group consisting of a liver function promoterand an intestinal mucosa function-promoter.
 30. A method according toclaim 29 wherein the pancreatic function-promoter comprises a componentselected from the group consisting of a lipase, a gut pH modifier and apancreatic extract.
 31. A method according to claim 29 wherein the liverfunction-promoter is selected from the group consisting of taurine,emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters,and combinations thereof.
 32. A method according to claim 29 wherein theintestinal mucosa function promoter includes a component selected fromthe group consisting of a fat transportation aid, agent or carrier. 33.A method according to claim 29 wherein the benefit to the pet is relatedto at least one benefit selected from the group consisting of gutfunction, outward appearance, pet-to-owner relationship, aging andgeneral health aspects.
 34. A method according to claim 33 wherein thebenefit is related to aging, and is observable in any one or morebenefits selected from the group consisting of delayed onset of signs ofaging; amelioration of an age-related effect; improved vision; restoredfunctionality of the digestive system in an aged pet; and increasedlongevity.
 35. A method according to claim 29 wherein the composition isin the form of a nutritionally balanced, ready-to-eat meal.
 36. A methodaccording to claim 35 wherein the composition comprises a dried kibble.37. A method according to claim 29 wherein the composition isadministered as a meal supplement.
 38. A method according to claim 33wherein the benefit is related to an attribute selected from the groupconsisting of outward appearance and is observable in any one or moreof: improved body condition; improved muscle tone; improved skin andcoat condition; and a younger look.
 39. A nutrition management regimencomprising a dietary component for feeding regularly in an effectivelipid assimilation-promoting amount, according to predetermineddirections, to a pet animal, the dietary component comprising apancreatic function promoter and at least one or more of a promoterselected from the group consisting of liver function promoter and anintestinal mucosa function-promoter.
 40. A regimen according to claim 39wherein the pancreatic function-promoter comprises a component selectedfrom the group consisting of a lipase, a gut pH modifier and apancreatic extract.
 41. A regimen according to claim 40 wherein the gutpH modifier is selected from the group consisting of an acidifier, analkalanizer, a buffer, a prebiotic and a probiotic micro-organism.
 42. Aregimen according to claim 39 wherein the liver function-promoter isselected from the group consisting of taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins,minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters, and combinationsthereof.
 43. A regimen according to claim 39 wherein the liverfunction-promoter is a nutrient that increases endogenous glutathioneafter ingestion.
 44. A regimen according to claim 39 wherein theintestinal mucosa function-promoter includes a component selected fromthe group consisting of a fat transportation aid, agent and carrier. 45.A regimen according to claim 44 wherein the component is selected fromwhey protein and proteases having the capacity to promote the formationof lipoproteins.
 46. A regimen according to claim 44 wherein theintestinal mucosa function-promoter includes at least one of ananti-inflammatory agent, lactoferrin, a prebiotic or a probioticmicro-organism.
 47. A regimen according to claim 46 wherein theanti-inflammatory agent is an omega-3 fatty acid.
 48. A regimenaccording to claim 44 wherein the component has a fatty acid profileselected to improve lipid absorption.
 49. A regimen according to claim48 wherein the fatty acid profile is polyunsaturated.
 50. A regimenaccording to claim 49 wherein the component comprises whey protein. 51.A regimen according to claim 39 wherein the benefit derivable by the petfrom effective assimilation of a lipid or lipid fraction is related toat least one attribute selected from the group consisting of gutfunction, outward appearance, pet-to-owner relationship, ageing andgeneral health aspects.
 52. A regimen according to claim 51 wherein thebenefit that is related to gut function is observable in any one or moreof the attributes selected from the group consisting of increasednutrient and energy digestibility; improved gut microflora such as isobserved in decreased small intestine bacterial overgrowth; improvedfecal consistency and/or odor; optimized fecal volume; improvedregularity of food transit time; reduced flatulence; enhanced gutdetoxification; and improved absorption of fat soluble nutrients.
 53. Aregimen according to claim 51 wherein the benefit that is related tooutward appearance is observable in any one or more of the attributesselected from the group consisting of improved body condition; improvedmuscle tone; improved skin and coat condition; and a younger look. 54.An edible composition in a pet animal comprising a pancreaticfunction-promoter and at least one promoter selected from the groupconsisting of a liver function-promoter and an intestinal mucosafunction-promoter in an amount sufficient to effect lipid digestibilityin the pet.
 55. A method of improving the appearance of a pet animalcomprising the step of increasing the pet's capability to digest fat inits diet by feeding the pet a diet that contains a pancreatic functionpromoter and a promoter selected from the group consisting of a liverfunction promoter, an intestinal mucosa function promoter or acombination thereof.
 56. A method according to claim 55 wherein thepancreatic function promoter comprises a fat emulsifier/emulsificationsystem, the intestinal mucosa function promoter comprises an acidifyingagent and intestinal mucosa function promoter comprises a fattransportation agent.